Chapter II: Part 2

The cruel murder of the family of LOGAN, (himself a distinguished Chief, and the friend of the whites and of peace,) made a deep impression upon the Six Nations, and was probably one of the causes which induced them to take up the hatchet for the King of England. The final decision, as already stated, was made at Oswego, where the representative Chiefs and warriors were assembled, being, drawn thither by the united exertions of Sir JOHN JOHNSTON and Colonel JOHN BUTLER, aided by BRANT, the indefatigable and bitter enemy of the united colonies. The British commissioners promised the Indians an ample reward if they would assist the English to subdue the rebel colonies. The Chiefs, in reply, stated that they were bound, by the treaties at German Flats and Albany, to be neutral to the war. Their objections, however, were overcome, by the commissioners telling them, "that the people of the colonies were few in number, and would be easily subdued; and that, on account of their disobedience to the King, they justly merited all the punishment that it was possible for white men and Indians to inflict upon them." "The King," they said, "was rich and powerful, both in money and subjects. His rum was as plenty as the water in Lake Ontario, and his men as numerous as the sands upon its shore. And the Indians were assured that if they would assist in the war, and persevere in their friendship for the King, until its close, they should never want for goods or money." Overcome by these importunities, and by a recital of the injuries they had received from some of the people of the colonies, aided by a display of a large quantity of trinkets, blankets, clothes, guns, and other articles and implements, the Indians concluded a treaty of alliance with Great Britain, and took up the hatchet against the united colonies. At the close of the treaty, each Indian was presented with a suit of clothes, a brass kettle, a gun, a tomahawk and scalping-knife, a quantity of ammunition and a piece of gold. MARY JEMISON, from whom we quote this statement, says, "as late as 1823, the brass kettles received at Oswego, were in use by the Senecas." Here CORNPLANTER, no doubt, secured the "gun and kettle" which he had, in vain, expected from his father. And the contrast between these munificent gifts, and the fact stated by BRANT, that General SCHUYLER, at the treaty of German Flats, was not able to afford to the Indians the smallest article of clothing, no doubt assisted to turn the scale in favor of the King.

During the military operations which followed this important transaction, CORNPLANTER fought against the United States. It is said that he was in the bloody battle of Wyoming, which occurred on the 3d of July, 1778. It is considered to be a doubtful point, whether the celebrated BRANT was in that battle. There is high poetical authority[N] in favor of it, and some corroborative evidence of the fact. But there is no evidence that has come under my notice, that CORNPLANTER was present.

[N] CAMPBELL'S Gertrude of Wyoming.

CORNPLANTER was with his tribe, in endeavoring to resist the advance of General SULLIVAN into the country of the Six Nations, in the year 1779. He was present and took part in the battle of New Town, the present site of Elmira, New York, where the Indians and British troops, the latter under the command of Colonel JOHN BUTLER, were signally defeated. CORNPLANTER and RED JACKET were with the Senecas. We do not know which of these Chiefs had the immediate command of the warriors of that tribe. It is known, however, that BRANT, who had by general consent a superior authority, charged RED JACKET with being the principal cause of the disaster of that day, and said that although he was a great orator, he was no warrior; on the contrary, he was a coward. In a council held some years afterwards, CORNPLANTER made a similar charge against RED JACKET, to which the latter replied, "I am an orator--I was born an orator."

This decisive action on the Chemung, was followed by the devastation of the Indian towns and settlements throughout the country of the Senecas and Cayugas. They had several towns and many large villages laid out with a considerable degree of regularity. They had framed houses, some of them well finished, and painted and having chimneys. They had broad and productive fields, and in addition to abundance of apples, they had orchards of peaches, pears and plums. But after the battle of New Town, terror led the van of the invader, whose approach was heralded by watchmen stationed upon every height, and desolation followed weeping in his train. The Indians every where fled, as SULLIVAN advanced, and the whole country was swept as with the besom of destruction. Towns were burned, fields laid waste, cattle destroyed and the orchards cut down.[O] CORNPLANTER was a sad witness to the destruction of his own home and village, and that of his people. He refers to these scenes most eloquently, in his address to WASHINGTON, in 1792. "When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, we called you the "town destroyer;" and to this day, when that name is heard, our women look behind them, and turn pale, and our children cling close to the necks of their mothers. Our councillors and warriors are men, and cannot be afraid, but their hearts are grieved with the fears of women and children."

[O] STONE in his Life of BRANT.

This expedition of General SULLIVAN'S, was followed by numerous retaliations by the Indians. The most prominent of which was the invasion of Schoharie and its destruction, together with the towns and settlements in the valley of the Mohawk. Whilst Sir JOHN JOHNSTON and BRANT had the principal command, CORNPLANTER led his tribe in this invasion, and was in the battle of Klock's Field, on the Mohawk river; the result of which was a decided check upon the Indians and their allies, and compelled them to fall back to Oswego.

The residence of JOHN ABEEL, the father of CORNPLANTER, was in the vicinity of the recent battle ground. Before retiring with his warriors, CORNPLANTER made a detour in the direction of his father's residence, and took him prisoner. After taking him a few miles into the forest, he made to him the following address: "My name is JOHN ABEEL, commonly called CORNPLANTER. I am your son. You are my father. You are my prisoner, and subject to the customs of Indian warfare. But you shall not be harmed. You need not fear. I am a warrior. Many are the scalps I have taken. I am your son. I was anxious to see you, and greet you in friendship. I went to your cabin and took you by force; but your life shall be spared. Indians love their friends and their kindred, and treat them with kindness. If you choose to follow the fortunes of your red son, and live with our people, I will cherish your old age with plenty of venison, and you shall live easy. But if it is your choice to return to your friends, and live with your white children. I will send a party of my trusty young men to conduct you back in safety. I respect you, my father. You have been friendly to Indians. They are your friends." This address shews the magnanimity of CORNPLANTER, and that he could forget his father's neglect to supply him with a "gun and kettle," on the occasion hereinbefore mentioned. The elder ABEEL declined the offer. His son fulfilled his word, and gave his father a suitable escort. He returned to his dwelling in safety. The proud Seneca and his warriors moved off to their own wilds.[P] These events transpired in 1780. Of the subsequent military career of CORNPLANTER, little is known. He probably participated in the skirmishes and expeditions during the subsequent years of the Revolutionary war and until its close. He never spoke in after life of his career as a Chief or warrior; and history gives us no details of these expeditions and skirmishes, except as to the second invasion of the Mohawk valley, and the battle of Durlagh, in 1781, in which there is no mention of CORNPLANTER being present.

[P] This anecdote is related in MARY JAMISON'S narrative, and is cited by Mr. STONE, in his interesting life of BRANT, wherein the author says "In every instance in which he has had an opportunity of testing by other authorities, the correctness of MARY JAMISON'S statement, they have proved to be remarkably correct." Mr. STONE adds: "CORNPLANTER was an able man, distinguished in subsequent negotiations; he was an eloquent orator and a great advocate for temperance."

The United States successfully maintained by the sword the principles announced on the 4th of July, 1776, at Philadelphia; and England, at the close of the war in 1783, acknowledged their independence. From that period CORNPLANTER became the friend of the United States, and the uniform and consistent advocate for peace. He put forth, on all occasions, his best efforts to secure the friendship of the United States, and to preserve his nation from the destruction which seemed so eminently impending. England, in her treaty of peace, made no provision for her allies of the Six Nations. Many of the Chiefs of the latter were disposed to make common cause with the other Indians of the continent, and continue the war. But the sagacious mind of CORNPLANTER led him to the just conclusion, that a continuance of the war would be the destruction of his nation and tribe. He was the chief instrument in effecting the treaty of peace at Fort Stanwix, in 1784.

There had been a former treaty at Fort Stanwix, namely: on the 5th of November, 1768, between the Proprietors of Pennsylvania and the Chief of the Six Nations. The territory granted to Pennsylvania, is particularly described in the second volume of SMITH'S Laws of Pennsylvania, page 122-3. At the second treaty of Fort Stanwix, held in October, 1784, the Pennsylvania commissioners inquired what creek was meant by Tiadaghton, also the Indian name of Burnett's hills, which was left blank in the deed of 1768. The Indians then said that Tiadaghton, is the same creek which the whites called Pine creek, (now in Lycoming county). As to BURNETT'S hills, they called them the "Long mountains," and knew them by no other name. The boundaries established by the treaty of October 23, 1784, made the said Pine creek the line, and down the same to its mouth, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna; thence up the south side thereof to the fork of the same river, which lies nearer to a place on the Ohio river, (Allegheny,) called Kittanning, and from the fork by a straight line to Kittanning, and thence down the said river Ohio, to where the western bounds of Pennsylvania crosses the same river.

CORNPLANTER "very well knew," says Mr. STONE, in his life of RED JACKET, that by assenting to the large cessions of territory exacted by the treaty, he was jeopardizing his popularity with his people. But if others had not, he had the sagacity to perceive, that although he and his people had served the crown of Great Britain with all fidelity, they had nevertheless been abandoned to their fate by their more powerful ally, and the alternative was presented to them of giving up as much of their territory as the United States demanded, or of yielding the whole of it. His course, and it was also the course of wisdom, was prescribed by the necessity of the case, and by the energy and ability with which he conducted the negotiation, he yet retained for his people an ample and beautiful territory. He was the most prominent Indian Chief in the treaty of Fort Harmer, in 1789.

By this treaty other grants of land were made. The cession of the Presque Isle lands, is dated January 9, 1789, in which the signing Chiefs acknowledge the right of soil and jurisdiction over that tract of country, ceded by New York and Massachusetts, on the margin of Lake Erie, including Presque Isle, and the bays and harbors above the margin of Lake Erie. This territory was afterwards, namely, on the 13th of April, 1791, purchased from the United States, by the State of Pennsylvania, for the consideration of $151,640 25, paid in Continental certificates of various descriptions.

CORNPLANTER was present as a prominent Chief, at the treaty held with the Indians, in Marietta, Ohio, in the year 1789. On this occasion, an elegant entertainment was provided The utmost satisfaction appeared to prevail among all the parties to the treaty. Good wine was served after the dinner, and CORNPLANTER being called on for a toast, took up a glass and said: "I thank the Great Spirit for this opportunity of smoking the pipe of friendship and love. May we plant our own vines, be the fathers of our own children, and maintain them."

The services of CORNPLANTER on this, and other occasions, were highly appreciated by the Ohio Land Company. This company was formed in 1786, by officers of the army of the Revolution. At the close of the war of 1783, the officers and soldiers were paid in Loan Office certificates, worth, in specie, about 2_s._ 6_d._ in the £. On the 16th June, 1783, a large number of them, with the approval of WASHINGTON, memorialized Congress for lands to settle on north-west of the Ohio river. The action of the Government in this matter does not very clearly appear, although it seems that the officers of their Treasury recognized the validity of an arrangement to receive loan certificates in payment for the land. In 1786, the Ohio company was organized, and by their agents contracted with the Government for 1,500,000 acres of land, in the North-Western territory, for $1,000,000, in Loan Office certificates, reduced to specie value.

At a meeting of the directors and agents of the company, held at Campus Martius, (Marietta,) Ohio, February 9, 1789, the following proceedings were had:

"_Whereas_, GYANTWACHIA, or THE CORNPLANTER, Chief of the Seneca nation, has since the treaty of peace, made in the year 1784, between the United States and the Indian nations, in many instances, been of great service to the United States; and the friendship he has manifested to the proprietors of hind purchased by the Ohio company, has been of particular service to them; therefore,

_Resolved_, That one mile square of the donation lands be granted to GYANTWACHIA, and his heirs forever, in such place as the committee appointed to examine proper places of settlement shall assign; and that the duties, conditions and limitations required of other settlers on such land, shall in this grant be dispensed with. And the said committee of five are directed to give him a deed accordingly."--[_Ohio Company Records, p, 54._]

The above interesting transaction was communicated to me by W. S. WARD, Esq., of Marietta, Ohio. He says, however, that there is no evidence, so far as he can learn, that the committee or agents ever selected this "mile square," donated to CORNPLANTER; consequently he received no deed for the land. Probably there may be some documents on this subject among the papers of CORNPLANTER. The Chief always carefully preserved his important papers, and they are now in the hands of his descendants at Jennesadaga.

The grants of lands made at these treaties, gave offence to many of the Senecas and others of the Six Nations, led on by the opposition of RED JACKET and BRANT. He was not only vilified and misrepresented, but his life was even threatened. He resolved to present to _his_ friend, and the friend of the human race, WASHINGTON, the condition of his nation and his own peril.

CORNPLANTER came to Philadelphia, by the way of Fort Franklin and Fort Pitt, traveling with his party down the Allegheny river in canoes. At Fort Franklin, ensign JEFFERS, of the 1st Pennsylvania regiment, was in command. He furnished our Chief with a letter of recommendation, in which he says: "The bearer hereof, CYENTWOKEE, the head Chief of the Seneca nation, is an undoubted friend of the United States. When the Indians have stolen horses and other things from our people, I have known him, with the greatest dignity, to give orders for them to be returned. I never knew his orders to be disobeyed. When the people of Cussewago (now Meadville) were about to fly on account of unfavorable reports about some of the Southern (Western) Indians, he sent a speech to me, in which he said, 'he wished the people to keep their minds easy, and take care of the corn fields, that the Six Nations were friends; that should the Western Indians invade the settlements, he would gather his warriors and help to drive them to the setting of the sun.' In consequence of this, the people rested easy. On his arrival here, he told me that should I be invaded, so that I could not get provisions, that he and his warriors would clear the way; he said that at the Council at the Muskingum the great men asked him which side he would die on? He told them on the side of the Americans. He says he is of the same mind yet. Sundry other things might be said, but as he is now on his way to attend the Assembly at Philadelphia, I will only recommend him to the particular attention of the good people of Pennsylvania, between here and that place. They may depend upon it, that they not only entertain a friend, but a friend of great consequence, for the Seneca nation is so much governed by him, that if he says _war_, it is _war_; and if he says _peace_, it is _peace_. He is, therefore, a man worthy of the greatest attention. The other Chiefs with him, second him in every thing, and are men worthy of great attention."

This interesting letter was addressed "To the good people between here (Fort Franklin) and Philadelphia." It was of great service to CORNPLANTER on his journey; and when he arrived in Philadelphia, he placed it in the hands of Governor MIFFLIN. The paper is among the archives of Pennsylvania, and is endorsed "1790, recommendary letter from I. JEFFERS, ensign of the 1st Pennsylvania regiment, commanding Fort Franklin, on French creek, in favor of CYENTWOKEE, or CORNPLANTER."[Q]

[Q] Pennsylvania Archives, 1790, p. 86.

It appears that from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, CORNPLANTER and his party were accompanied by Mr. JOSEPH NICHOLSON, the interpreter. Dr. JOHN WILKINS, Sr., writes from Shippensburg, to Gov. MIFFLIN, under date October 14, 1790, as follows: "I have just met at this place, CORNPLANTER, and the other Indian Chiefs, invited by Council. The reasons they assign for being detained, are such as I hope will induce Council to exert themselves in doing every thing in their power to give them satisfaction. CORNPLANTER says when he was preparing to come down, agreeably to the invitation from Council, his nation was excited to great tumult, by the killing the two Chiefs, on Pine creek, and he was obliged to stay to pacify them. The Shawanese Indians, who are the most troublesome, sent a message to the Seneca nation, telling them, that unless they declared war against the white people, they should be cut off. This message had to be taken into consideration by a general Council of the Nation, and this required time. The subject of this visit of the Chiefs of the Seneca nation is of great consequence to the people of the western country. The conductor and interpreter, Mr. JOSEPH NICHOLSON, has brought them thus far at his own expense, but his money being exhausted, I have advanced him a sum sufficient to pay his expenses to the city. I need not give you a character of the CORNPLANTER; his friendship for the people of Pennsylvania, his pacific temper and integrity are sufficiently known."[R]

[R] Pennsylvania Archives, 1790, p. 321.

He traveled to Philadelphia, then the seat of government of the United States, accompanied by his steadfast friends and Chiefs of his nation, HALF TOWN and BIG TREE. On the arrival of the Chiefs at Philadelphia, they had an official audience with the President, on which occasion CORNPLANTER made an eloquent and dignified address, and which called forth an appropriate reply from WASHINGTON. To WASHINGTON he said, referring to General SULLIVAN'S destruction of the Seneca towns: "We called you the 'town destroyer,' but when you gave us peace, we called you father, because you promised to secure us in the possession of our lands. Do this, and so long as the lands shall remain, that beloved name shall live in the heart of every Seneca." He then gives a terse and clear statement of the means taken to induce the Six Nations to make such extensive grants of their lands--grants, he adds, "made at a time when you told us that we were in your hand, and that by closing it, you could crush us to nothing; and you demanded from us a great country as the price of that peace which you had offered us; as if our want of strength had destroyed our rights." Referring to his own conduct and its effect upon his tribe, he uses the following eloquent and patriotic words: "Father, we will not conceal from you, that the Great God, and not man, has preserved THE CORNPLANTER from the hands of his nation. For they continually ask, where is the land which our children, and their children after them, are to lie down upon? You told us, say they, that the line drawn from Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, would mark it forever on the east, and the line running from Buffalo creek to Pennsylvania, would mark it on the west, and we see that it is not so. You, first one and then another, comes and takes it away by order of that people, which you tell us promised to secure it to us. He is silent--for he has nothing to answer. When the sun goes down, he opens his heart before God; and earlier than the sun appears upon the hills, he gives thanks for his protection during the night; for he feels, that among men become desperate by their danger--it is God only that can preserve him. He loves peace and all that he has had in store, he has given to those who have been robbed by your people, lest they should plunder the innocent to re-pay themselves. The whole season which others have employed in providing for their families, he has spent in his endeavors to preserve peace. At this moment his wife and children are lying upon the ground, and in want of food. His heart is in pain for them, but he perceives that the Great Spirit will try his firmness in doing what is right."

WASHINGTON made an appropriate reply to this address, which he caused to be engrossed, and was signed by himself and by Mr. JEFFERSON, then Secretary of State, and presented to CORNPLANTER. The Chief valued this document among his highest treasures. A lithographic copy of it has been prepared for this occasion, and I will annex to this address, a copy of it and of the speeches of CORNPLANTER made on that occasion. A single remark made by WASHINGTON, I here introduce. "The merits of CORNPLANTER, and his friendship for the United States, are well known to me, and shall not be forgotten."

When CORNPLANTER arrived in Philadelphia, WASHINGTON was absent at his seat in Virginia. In his absence, the Chief was cordially received by the President and members of the Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania. In the _Colonial Records_ of Pennsylvania, the following minutes appear:

"PHILADELPHIA, _Saturday, October 23, 1790_.

"Presents--His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN, Esq., President. SAMUEL MILES, RICHARD WILLING, ZEBULON POTTS, AMOS GREGG and Lord BUTLER, Esquires. CORNPLANTER and five other Indian Chiefs were introduced to Council. The President informed them, that the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania was happy to see them, and ready to hear what they had to say. The Chief then made a short address, and asked for further time to conclude what to say, which was granted."

Subsequently the Chief made a more extended speech, to which Governor MIFFLIN made an appropriate reply. Vol. XVI, p. 496.

WASHINGTON continued to be the friend of CORNPLANTER to the end of his public career, and this confidence and friendship afforded a source of consolation to the Chief, for the dissatisfaction of a portion of his tribe, led on by the crafty RED JACKET, who opposed some of the treaties, and favored a continuance of the war, by the Indians, on their own account.

In these and subsequent transactions, which the limits of this address prevent me from presenting in detail, CORNPLANTER exerted his power and influence in favor of peace. As early as 1791, he advocated the cultivation of the soil, and the adoption of the arts of civilized life, including the education of the Indian children. In a letter of that year to Friends in Philadelphia, he says: "Brothers, the Seneca nation see that the Great Spirit intends they should not continue to live by hunting, and they look around on every side and inquire, who it is that shall teach them what is best for them to do? Your fathers dealt honorably by our fathers, and they have engaged us to remember it. We wish our children to be taught the same principles by which your fathers were guided. Brothers! We have too little wisdom among us, and we cannot teach our children what we see their situation requires them to know. We wish them to be taught to read, and write, and such other things as you teach your children, especially the love of peace." I may here remark, that the Friends did respond to this call, and through a long series of years, put forth the most disinterested and philanthropic efforts in behalf of the Seneca nation.

In 1791, CORNPLANTER was employed by WASHINGTON, on behalf of the government of the United States, to proceed into the country of the North-Western Indians, then at war with the United States, on an embassy of peace and reconciliation. This arrangement was made during CORNPLANTER'S visit to Philadelphia in that year. Before proceeding on his mission, he returned to his home on the Allegheny, and soon afterwards called a Council of the Six Nations. The result of which was the appointment of representative Chiefs of the Six Nations, to attend a Council with the Western Indians. This Council was held at Au Glaize, (Fort Defiance, Ohio,) in October, 1792. CORNPLANTER, accompanied by a large number of the Chiefs of the League, was in attendance. The hostile Indians were determined to insist upon the river Ohio as their boundary; and besides the encroachments of the whites upon their territory, they had other grievances of which they complained. The Shawanese, especially, were opposed to peace, except upon such terms as they well knew would not be accepted by the United States. Their principal orator said: "The President well knows why the blood is so deep in our paths." CORNPLANTER'S efforts to effect a reconciliation between the Western tribes and the United States failed.[S]

[S] Western Annals, p. 606.

CORNPLANTER, at this period, was perhaps the only Chief of the Senecas and Six Nations, who remained firm and unshaken in his friendship for the United States. About this time the repulse of General HARMAR, by the Western Indians, had greatly emboldened them, and it was with great difficulty that the peaceful suggestions of CORNPLANTER were acquiesced in by the Six Nations, many of whom still desired to make common cause with the Western tribes. In company with Colonel PROCTOR, of the United States army, he proceeded to the country of the hostile Indians, and endeavored to reconcile them to the United States. His mission failed, chiefly through the evil influences of BRANT and RED JACKET, aided by the machinations of British officers. At a subsequent period CORNPLANTER renewed his efforts for peace, and even called forth in favor of his measures, the opinions of the Indian women, who, as is natural to their sex, were the friends of peace. On this occasion, RED JACKET, among other remarks, said to the United States commissioners: "You know what we have been doing so long, and what trouble we have been at, and you know that it has been the request of our head warrior, CORNPLANTER, that we are left to answer for our women, who are to conclude what ought to be done." * * * *

"Colonel BUTLER, of the British, told us he must take our writings down to Colonel GORDON,[T] as he is a very wise man, and perhaps he may have something to say to us that may be for our good, and we want his assistance, as he is the man that keeps all the vessels that are on the Lake; therefore, my brother, make your mind easy, for your request is granted. And when we hear from our brothers, the British, then we shall know what time to start. And you must not be uneasy, that our brother, ABEEL, (CORNPLANTER,) can not go with you, for he is very tired, (referring to his former journey,) and must rest awhile, and take charge of our young warriors, to keep them in peace while they are playing--for fear of danger."

[T] The British commandant at Niagara.

The intrigue of RED JACKET, aided by the action of the British officers, kept CORNPLANTER from this mission. There was, as suggested by a learned historian, Mr. STONE, (in his life of RED JACKET,) another reason lying still deeper in the minds of the Indian women, under whose influence these proceeding's were had. CORNPLANTER was not only the principal war Chief of the Senecas, but he was a man of great bravery and sagacity, and withal a sincere friend of peace. The times were critical, and the Indians at Buffalo creek, and the adjacent country, were in frequent alarm. They wished to retain CORNPLANTER, as he could best restrain the warlike propensities of the young warriors, while they could repose greater confidence, both in his bravery and discretion, in the event of actual danger during the absence of the messengers to the Western Indians, than in any leader of their nation. This mission failed entirely. "The man that kept the vessels on the Lake," refused to recognize Colonel PROCTOR in his official capacity, and prohibited the passage of the Indian deputies to Sandusky, on Lake Erie, their place of destination.

A treaty held at Painted Post, in June, 1792, between Colonel PICKERING and the Six Nations, was productive of peaceful and good results. It checked the disposition of the young warriors to take part with the Western Indians, and it led to another mission of peace, at the head of which was the brave old Stockbridge Chief, HENRY AUPUMUT. It was also at this treaty, that WASHINGTON, through his agent, Colonel PICKERING, made an influential demonstration towards winning the attention of the Chiefs to the policy of having permanent habitations, where they could cultivate their lands, and commence the work of civilization among their people.

After this period, CORNPLANTER made another, but an unsuccessful embassy to the hostile Indians. His efforts being unavailing, the war with the Western Indians continued to rage until the year 1794, when, on the 20th of August of that year, Gen. WAYNE achieved his decisive victory over them at the battle of the Miami, It was mainly due to CORNPLANTER'S influence and exertions, that the Six Nations were not involved in that battle, and its fatal consequences to the hostile Indians engaged in it.

Although the war with the Indians was terminated, there were perplexing questions to settle between the United States and the Six Nations, in which also, the States of Pennsylvania and New York were concerned. These were principally questions of boundaries, and also in reference to the grant of Presque Isle and the adjacent country. A Council was held at Buffalo creek, on the 18th of June, 1794, in reference to these difficulties. In this Council, CORNPLANTER took a conspicuous part; his speech on the occasion is fully reported in the proceedings. I make room for a single observation--addressing the commissioner as the representative of the President, he said: "Brother! You know our demands; we ask but for a small piece of land, and we trust, as you are a great man, you can easily grant our request." It is unnecessary, on this occasion, to give the details of this Council, nor of the Great Council which was soon after held at Canandaigua, namely, in October and November, 1794, at which CORNPLANTER, with other Chiefs, represented the Six Nations. Colonel PICKERING was again the commissioner on the part of the United States. The Friends of Pennsylvania and New Jersey had also agents present, and exerted a highly beneficial influence.

Mr. STONE, to whose interesting work I am much indebted, speaking of this treaty, says: "This was the last general Council held by the United States with the Iroquois Confederacy, and a vast amount of important business was transacted thereat. Several perplexing questions of contested boundaries were settled, and the relations between the United States and the Confederacy were adjusted upon a basis that has not been since disturbed." CORNPLANTER arrived at this Council on the second day after the day assigned for the meeting. He came with four hundred of the Allegheny portion of the Senecas. There were sixteen hundred Indians collected on this interesting occasion. It appears that CORNPLANTER was subjected to some suspicions by his Indian associates, because of his frequent interviews with Colonel PICKERING. He was reminded by one of the Chiefs, that he was but a _War Chief_, and was exceeding the bounds of his proper department, by partaking too largely in the conduct of civil affairs. Colonel PICKERING interposed, and stated that the private interviews he had with CORNPLANTER were at his special request. This explanation was, for a time, satisfactory. Further evidences of the distinction between the War Chiefs and Sachems were exhibited on this occasion. RED JACKET speaks of CORNPLANTER and Captain BRANT, (the latter was not present,) as only War Chiefs, and the proceedings show that which does not appear in other transactions, namely: that there was a marked distinction between the _Chiefs_ and the _Sachems_, the former having the direction of affairs belonging to war, and the latter having control of the civil government, under certain restrictions dependent upon popular opinion; and it appeared that they regarded the military power as entirely subordinate to the civil authorities. This single fact shows that the untutored Ho-de-no-sau-nee (United People,) had made no inconsiderable advance in the science of free government.

Subsequent transactions between the whites and the Indians, related to the sale of the lands of the latter. Their power as a nation was gone. Henceforth, if they were called together as a nation, or as separate tribes, it was only through the agency of individuals or companies, who desired to obtain grants of their lands. A treaty of this character was held at Big Tree, in 1797, (the site of the present town of Genessee New York,) in reference to a claim of ROBERT MORRIS, of Pennsylvania, the assignee of the State of Massachusetts, of an alleged pre-emption right to a portion of the territory of the Seneca tribe.

Without entering into the details of this treaty, or others of a similar character, I refer to it because it developed one of the principles of government of the Confederacy, heretofore but little known or noticed. An appeal was taken by the women, from the opinion and decision of the Sachems. CORNPLANTER being the principal War Chief, presented the appeal, whereupon the Council was re-opened, and the proceedings were recognized by the Sachems, FARMER'S BROTHER being their speaker, as being in accordance with their laws and customs. The re-consideration resulted in a change in the treaty beneficial to the Indians.

CORNPLANTER, at the head of his nation, as its principal War Chief, had resisted the encroachment of the whites to the extent of his abilities. But as we have shown, when the fortune of war, under the superior power of the Thirteen Fires, rendered further resistance impossible, he had, as a wise statesman, made the best terms of peace he could procure. After the Revolutionary war, he desired to maintain friendly relations with the United States; and to accomplish this object, he was ready, when urgent necessity required it, to part with considerable portions of the Indian territory. His course of conduct, in these transactions, was severely criticised by rival Chiefs, and under their influence, his popularity, with the main portion of his tribe, and with the other members of the Six Nations, was seriously reduced, if not entirely destroyed.

It was during the period of his decline in power and authority, that it is said he endeavored to regain his influence by inducing his half-brother, Ga-ne-o-di-yo, (otherwise called "Handsome Lake,") who was a Seneca Sachem, to assume the character of a prophet. It does not appear by any satisfactory evidence, that CORNPLANTER had any agency whatever in respect to the alleged revelations made by his singular and talented relative. In the account which Ga-ne-o-di-yo gives of the trance which led to his revelations, after stating that he had been ill for a long time, he says: "I resigned myself to the will of the Great Spirit, and nightly returned my thanks to Him, as my eyes were gladdened at evening, by the sight of the stars of Heaven. I viewed the ornamented Heavens at evening, through the opening in the roof of my lodge, with grateful feelings to my Creator. I had no assurance that the next evening I could contemplate His works; for this reason my acknowledgments to Him were more frequent and sincere. When night was gone, and the sun again shed his light upon the earth, I saw and acknowledged, in the return of day, His continued goodness to me and to all mankind. At length I began to have an inward conviction, that my end was near. I resolved once more to exchange friendly words with my people, and I sent my daughter to summon my brothers, Gy-ant-wa-chia, (CORNPLANTER,) and Ta-wan-nears, (BLACK-SNAKE,) to come to my cabin." The daughter hastened to deliver the message, but before she returned with Ta-wan-nears, (CORNPLANTER was not at hand,) the Sachem had fallen into a state of insensibility, and lay for many hours in that condition; after his recovery, he announced to his tribe what he regarded as a revelation of the Great Spirit to the Indians,[U]

[U] MORGAN'S League of the Iroquois. A most interesting work, dedicated to Colonel PARKER, a Seneca Indian, now an officer of the United States army, attached to the staff of General GRANT. Chapter 3d of this book is devoted to the pretended revelation of Ga-ne-o-di-yo, and the doctrines of the religion he inculcated.

As CORNPLANTER was the half-brother of the prophet, he was supposed to be in some way connected with these revelations, more especially, as the prophet strongly inculcated the principles of temperance, to which the Chief had been, for many years, a devoted advocate. RED JACKET, and others, used these transactions to the disadvantage of CORNPLANTER, and from thenceforth he ceased to take any part in the affairs of the Six Nations, and but little in that of the Seneca tribe generally, but devoted himself chiefly to his own clan of that tribe. This clan, or part of his tribe, had for many years been under his official and personal direction. Reference, before this period, is often made to the ABEEL Senecas, and in a map published in 1792, by READING HOWELL, a considerable portion of the country on the upper waters of the Conewango, and near Chatauque lake, is designated thus: "O'BEALS--Cayentona."[V]

[V] This map is in the possession of the Pennsylvania Historical Society; it was recently presented by SAMUEL AGNEW, Esq.

In 1797, CORNPLANTER again visited Philadelphia, the seat of government of the United States. His principal object appears to have been to pay his respects to President WASHINGTON, and take an official leave of him on his retirement from the public service. His address to WASHINGTON, on this occasion, is marked with his usual good sense and eloquence. This address was fortunately preserved among the papers of THOMAS MORRIS, son of ROBERT MORRIS.[W]

[W] See _infra_, page 90.

General WASHINGTON'S answer was not preserved. As he entertained the highest respect and esteem for CORNPLANTER, no doubt his words to the Chief were expressive of his kind regards for his Indian friend, and his best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the Seneca tribe.

From henceforth the career of CORNPLANTER was unconnected with the general history of his country. He fixed his permanent residence upon the tract of land on the Allegheny river, granted to him by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The grant from the Commonwealth is dated March 16, 1796. In the patent the tract is designated "Planter's Field," and his town is called "Jennesadaga." It became his home in life, and is now his resting place in death. Here he directed his efforts to the civilization and moral improvement of his people, and as an efficient means to produce the result inculcated the principles of temperance--to which he had himself been long devoted.

In 1802 he visited President JEFFERSON, at the city of Washington, for counsel and encouragement. In Mr. JEFFERSON'S excellent and characteristic letter to him, he expresses his approbation of CORNPLANTER'S conduct, and adds: "Go on then, brother, in the great reformation you have undertaken. Persuade our Red Men to be sober, and to cultivate their lands; and their women to spin and weave for their families. * * * It will be a great glory to you to have been the instrument of so happy a change, and your children's children, from generation to generation, will repeat your name with love and gratitude forever. In all your enterprises for the good of your people, you may count with confidence on the aid and protection of the United States, and on the sincerity and zeal with which I am animated in the furthering of this humane work. You are our brethren of the same land; we wish you prosperity, as brethren should do." Thus encouraged, our Chief devoted his time and energies to the best interests of his people, and under his influence and example they made considerable advances in civilization and moral improvement.

When the war of 1812, with England, broke forth, CORNPLANTER, although then far advanced in years, yet he offered his services to the United States, to go on the war path, and accompanied by two hundred warriors of his nation, repaired to Franklin, Venango county, when he learned that Colonel SAMUEL DALE was about to march from that place to the frontiers with the Venango regiment. Arriving at Franklin, he called upon Colonel DALE, and desired a statement of the causes and objects of the war, which being satisfactorily explained to him, he made an address, in which he said: "That many years ago a boy came over the great waters and settled among his people of the Six Nations; sometime thereafter the father followed to keep him in subjection; the Indians helped the father, but the boy was too much for both, and drove the father home. And now, when the father had become an old man, and the boy a strong man, and a good neighbor to his nation, he wished to show his friendship for the Thirteen Fires by taking his two hundred warriors to assist to drive the old man across the great waters."--Colonel DALE was obliged to inform the Chief that he had no authority to receive his warriors into his regiment, or take them to the frontiers. CORNPLANTER insisted that his warriors ought not to stay at home and live idly in their wigwams whilst their white friends and brothers were upon the war path. So persistent was he in sending his warriors, that he could only be satisfied by the promise of Colonel DALE to send for them when their services were required, and when he should receive authority from the government to muster the Indians into the service of the United States, and that in the mean time he was to go home to his seat at Jennesadaga and have his warriors ready to respond at a moment's call. They were not called for by Colonel DALE, but CORNPLANTER, sent a considerable number of his warriors to the American army; they acted as scouts, and were highly serviceable on the frontiers, and in the Niagara campaign. His son, HENRY ABEEL, led these warriors; he held the the commission of major, and did good service to the United States in that war.

The condition of CORNPLANTER'S town in 1816, is thus described by Rev. TIMOTHY ALDEN, of Allegheny college, Meadville, Pa., who visited it in that year: "Jennesadaga, CORNPLANTER'S village, is on a handsome piece of bottom land, and comprises about a dozen buildings. It was grateful to notice the agricultural habits of the place, and the numerous enclosures of buckwheat, corn and oats. We also saw a number of oxen, cows and horses, and many logs designed for the saw-mill and the Pittsburg market. Last year, (1815,) the Western Missionary society established a school in the village, under Mr. SAMUEL OLDHAM. CORNPLANTER, as soon as apprised of our arrival, came over to see us and took charge of our horses. Though having many around him to obey his commands, yet in the ancient patriarchal style, he choose to serve us himself, and actually went into the field, cut the oats and fed our beasts. He appears to be about sixty-eight years of age,[X] and five feet ten inches in height. His countenance is strongly marked with intelligence and reelection. Contrary to the aboriginal custom, his chin is covered with a beard three or four inches in length. His house is of princely dimensions compared with most Indian huts, and has a piazza in front. He is owner of thirteen hundred acres of excellent land, six hundred of which encircle the ground-plot of his little town. He receives an annual stipend from the United States, of two hundred and fifty dollars. CORNPLANTER'S brother, lately deceased, (called the Prophet,) was known by the high-sounding name, Goskukewanna Kannedia, or Large Beautiful Lake."

[X] Mr. ALDEN was deceived by appearances. CORNPLANTER time, about eighty-four years of age.

Thus, in the altitude and with the authority of an ancient patriarch, he continued to preside over his people, and promote their prosperity and improvement, without interruption or molestation, until the year 1822, when the authorities of Warren county, within the bounds of which he resided, attempted to levy taxes upon him and his clan. The old Chief had never before been called on for that purpose, and he objected to their payment. An armed sheriff's _posse_ was called out to enforce the payment, but arriving near CORNPLANTER'S town, it was deemed prudent to send forward a few of their number to confer with the Chief. When they came to his house, they noticed a considerable number of Indians lounging about, and some of them were partly concealed in the bushes near by. CORNPLANTER received the committee with great dignity. The interview took place near his house, and around the sides of it were arranged about one hundred rifles. When asked for the payment of the taxes, the old warrior sternly refused, and pointing to the guns, said, "an Indian for each rifle;" and in response to his call, his clansmen sprang forward to the house. Whereupon the sheriff and his men withdrew, without enforcing the claim. CORNPLANTER afterwards, for the sake of peace, went to Warren, and gave his note for the amount of the taxes. This note was never collected. The Legislature of Pennsylvania released the taxes, and exonerated him and his heirs forever, from the payment of taxes on the lands granted to him by the Commonwealth.[Y] The Governor sent commissioners to explain the transaction. CORNPLANTER met the commissioners at the court house in Warren, when he made a characteristic and appropriate address.[Z]

[Y] Journal House of Representatives, 1822-3.

[Z] This address is fully presented in DAY'S Historical Collections, p. 655.

This tax collector's raid would afford a fine subject for a painter: the romantic scenery of the Allegheny river, the old warrior's wigwam, the rifles arranged around it, the Indians in the bush, the last war-whoop of the old Chief as he called his men to the rescue--worthy of perpetuation as the expiring flash of the warlike fire of the last War Chief of his tribe.

THOMAS STRUTHERS, Esq., of Warren, was well acquainted with CORNPLANTER; at my request, he has furnished the following statement of an interview he had with the Chief in 1831: "In 1831, I accompanied some gentlemen, residents of Pittsburg and Butler, who desired to pay their respects to him. It was a pleasant day in May, when we called on him. He talked no English. I introduced the gentlemen through an interpreter, whom I had engaged, and informed him that they had called to pay their respects to him. He seemed much pleased that his white friends were inclined to pay him such attention. The introduction took place in front of his log cabin, on the bank of the Allegheny river. He gave orders to some young Indians, the import of which we soon ascertained, by the fact that they immediately collected some boards, and placed them for seats around a log sled, in the form of a hollow square. This done, the old Chief pointed out to each of the party his seat, and all sat facing inward. He then took his seat in the centre, and announced that he was prepared to hear any communications we had to make. I told him we had not come to buy lands or timber, nor to trade for furs and skins, but had called on him in the spirit of friendship, to pay our respects to the great Indian Chief, whom we had learned to admire as a warrior, and especially as the friend of the United States, who had inculcated the principles of peace and Christianity among his people. I referred briefly to the schools established among his people by the Friends of Philadelphia.

"The old Chief replied in a speech, which would compare well with many of our best State papers. His manner was dignified and eloquent, and his eye lit up, as if by inspiration; so that it was very interesting to listen to what he said, although we could not understand it, until the interpreter rendered it to us. He spoke of the relations between the white men and the red men--the war and bloodshed caused by the former, to displace the latter from their hunting grounds--the peace effected with the Six Nations--dwelt particularly on the virtues of General WASHINGTON, the great and good White Father. He brought forth from a well covered valise, in which they were carefully wrapped in linen cloth, two or three "talks," as he termed them, on parchment, to which was appended the autograph of WASHINGTON. He said he had met WASHINGTON a number of times, and treated with him. His _single eye_ sparkled with animation, when his name was mentioned. And in conclusion, he thanked the Great Spirit that there were now no wars or blood-shedding going on, but that peace and good will existed amongst all men and all nations, so far as he could hear. He spoke as a statesman and philanthropist, whose mind was occupied with the weighty interests of mankind, rather than with merely the affairs and concerns of a family or tribe. He thanked us for our call upon him, and invited us to dine with him, which we accepted. The bill of fare was jerked venison and corn mush; the latter was prepared in the Indian manner; each guest having a tin pan about half-full of hot water, in which the Indian meal was mixed at the pleasure of the guest."

The personal appearance of CORNPLANTER, towards the close of his long and eventful life, is well described by Judge THOMPSON, now of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in an article written in 1836, and re-produced in DAY'S Historical Collections of Pennsylvania, p. 657. I had a professional interview with the aged Chief, in the summer of 1835, to which I have already briefly referred. His personal appearance was therefore known to me. I agree with Judge THOMPSON, in his description of him, and as the article contains other interesting remarks, I insert it here, as follows: